Freetown — The state council information office of China, in collaboration with the ministry of commerce, has concluded a two-week seminar for press officers and journalists from 43 developing countries.

The confab was to strengthen the capacity of participants for better cooperation in the dissemination of information between China and other developing countries. Participants were enlightened on Chinese foreign policy, its human rights records and the rule of law. The role of the media in the development of modern day China was also discussed.

One of the facilitators, Professor Li Yingtao of the Beijing foreign studies university said despite the dramatic improvement of the country, its foreign policy of non-interference still remains the same. She said China was a good friend of Africa and that her government would continue to maintain mutual understanding and cooperation with developing countries.

Ms. Yingtao said since 1978, peace, stability and harmonious relationship have existed between China and its partners, adding that mutual understanding and respect for others are significant to Chinese foreign policy relations.

Yan Wenbin of the Xinhua news agency said the mass media has contributed immensely to the promotion of social changes in his country. He said the establishment of multi media agencies across China has helped tremendously in the promotion of mutual understanding among the local populace and government officers. He added that his government has effectively used the media to explain its policies and activities to the people.

"Television has been instrumental in our reform process; the media has been adequately informing the people without any preference to government. We are however faced with a lot of criticisms from the western media. A survey was conducted to get the views about what people know about China, but most of the people could not give independent information because they listen more to western media who are always publishing or broadcasting negative stories about China," he observed, adding that even though the country was practicing a one party system but Chinese media has been effectively used as the mouthpiece of the people.

Participants commended the Chinese government for organizing the seminar as it served as a medium to communicate the good aspect of China to the rest of the world.

Oloja Oloiunwa Martins from Nigeria suggested that it was significant for China to closely work with the African Union to reactivate Pan-African news agencies to counter some of the negative stories propagated by the western media. He said the development of an international radio or television station would help to promote the good image of China.